Money and duty free for St Lucia
Currency and Money
Currency information
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD; symbol EC$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of EC$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of EC$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. US Dollars are also accepted as legal tender.
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is tied to the US Dollar at EC$2.7 to US$1.
Credit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at all large shopping centres, restaurants, hotels etc. Most banks have ATMs.
ATM
Most banks have ATMs.
Travellers cheques
Accepted. However US Dollar cheques are preferred and will help to avoid additional exchange rate charges. Change may be given back in EC$.
Banking hours
Generally Mon-Thurs 0830-1500, Fri 0830-1700. Some banks at Rodney Bay Marina are open Sat 0800-1200.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.
Currency exchange
US Dollars ensure a better exchange rate.
St Lucia duty free
Overview
The following items may be imported into St Lucia by travellers over the age of 18 without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco.
• 1.2L of alcoholic beverages.
• Other gifts or souvenirs to the value of US$250.
You may only claim this allowance once a year.
Banned Imports
The following items may not be brought into the St Lucia:
• Counterfeit currency and coins.
• Indecent or obscene photographs, painting or objects.
• Any narcotics including marijuana, morphine, LSD, opium and morphine.
• Flick knives and blades.
• Shaving brushes made in or exported from Japan.
• All matter associated with black magic and occultism.
Banned Exports
The following items may not be exported from St Lucia without the correct consent:
• Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
• Ginger and dry coconuts.
• Any goods that have the coat of arms or the flag of St Lucia.
• Rare or threatened species of animals or plants, their products and derivatives.
For a comprehensive list of prohibited imports and exports see the St Lucia Customs departmental website www.customs.gov.lc.
